A 12-year-old boy was shot and seriously injured on Monday evening in west Charlotte, a neighborhood that local leaders say has become too familiar with such violent events. The shooting took place outside on Dewberry Terrace, near West Boulevard, around 9 p.m., as reported by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. Found by police at the scene, the child was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of severe injuries.
Witnesses called the incident shocking, highlighting the danger that has become common in their community. Quasha Simmons, a resident of Dewberry Terrace, expressed her deep concern to WBTV, stating, "It's horrific, it's too many kids out here for gunplay, it's a lot of gunplay over here, it's too much for all these little kids." Adding to the gravity of the situation, she lamented the lack of safe spaces for children, "We don't have recreation, no parks, nothing for kids to do so they won't get in trouble."
Pastor Annette Ross of a local church voiced her concerns as well, pointing to the shooting as a sign of the broader work that needs to be done within the community. In a statement obtained by WSOC-TV, Ross said, "It is very concerning," and further stressed the imperative to "reach more people to let them understand what love really is and how we’re supposed to express it."
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, who did not know the suspect involved, is investigating the shooting. The circumstances that led to the violence remain unclear, as no further information about the suspect or motive has been released as of yet. A witness, telling WCNC Charlotte, recounted that the boy was shot at the intersection of Dewberry Terrace and Dr. Carver Road and then ran to a nearby apartment complex seeking help.
The ongoing investigation by law enforcement seeks to uncover the details of the shooting, with community members urgently calling for action and support to prevent future tragedies.
